Expert advice

HOW TO CHOOSE A BLACKWOLF PACK

22nd August, 2011 l 40016 View(s)

What will you use your pack for? Our packs are divided up into categories based on their intended use:

TRAVEL PACKS are designed for exactly that, travel and more specifically are the first choice for backpacker travellers. They are have large panel openings suited to easy access to everything in your pack, internal compression and organising pockets and pouches help you stay organized and a separate bottom compartment for your sleeping bag or dirty clothes. The detachable daypack works well as carry on for your inflight essentials and also for day trips when you don’t have your large bag with you. They are not ideally shaped for overnight bushwalks, with the exception of the Sierra which is specifically intended for more adventurous travellers who plan on hiking or trekking as part of their travelling adventure, check out the TREK section for specific bushwalking and trekking packs.Note: the capacity measures of BlackWolf travel packs do not include the daypack

TREK PACKS are for overnight and extended bushwalks or treks. Their tall narrow shape carry heavy loads efficiently, they are available in a large range of sizes and capacities to suit short, tall, old and young outdoor adventurers. Trek packs have less features than travel packs to keep the weight down but include key features that are useful in the bush like hydration compatibility and raincovers.

BlackWolf Trek Packs; BUGABOO, McKINLEY, MOUNTAIN ASH

TRANSIT is the category for rolling travel packs, rolling duffles and rolling carry-ons. Wheeled travel packs give you the best of both worlds, rolling your bag is easier than carrying it and in urban areas rolling will get you most places but when you’re faced with a flight of stairs or getting off the beaten track they quickly convert to a backpack by un-zipping the concealed harness.
Our rolling duffles are built tough to withstand the rigors of air travel and include plenty of pockets and compartments to keep you organised.
Carry on rolling bags are sized to suit most airline carry on dimensions.

WHAT SIZE PACK SHOULD I CHOOSE?
There are many factors to take into account when choosing what size pack you will buy including:
HEIGHT – all our travel and trekking packs have adjustable harnesses to suit different height people and although most packs can be adjusted to suit most people you will generally find a pack is most comfortable when it is in the middle to upper range of it’s adjustment. As a starting point an average height female (approx. 163cm tall) would generally find a 65L pack to be a good size and an average height male (approx. 174cm tall) would choose a 75L.
CAPACITY – choose a pack that will be large enough for the longest trip you plan on taking but not to unwieldy for a quick, short trip. Whether you are travelling or bushwalking you will appreciate packing light once you are on the go. As a guide you should aim to carry no more than 30% of your body weight.

SUGGESTED PACK CAPACITY & MODEL

Type & Length of Journey

weekend/overnight

3days – 1 week

1 to 3 weeks

4 weeks to 1 year

Travel
(staying in hotels or with friends)

30 – 40L
INTERTIA
BLADERUNNER
SKEDADDLE

40 – 80L
BLADERUNNER
VELOCITY

60 – 120L
GLOBERUNNER
BLADERUNNER
GRAND TRAVERSE

80 – 120L
GLOBERUNNER
BLADERUNNER
GRAND TRAVERSE

Backpacking
(hostels & budget accommodation)

30 – 40L
MONASHEE
TRANSIT DUFFLE

40 – 65L
CUBA
RIDGERUNNER

55 – 90L
CEDAR BREAKS
GRAND TETON
GRAND TOUR

55 – 90L
CEDAR BREAKS
GRAND TETON
GRAND ROYALE

Trekking (overseas travel combined with trekking or bushwalking)

n/a

65 – 75 L
SIERRA
BUGABOO or McKINLEY with OVERALL

65 – 85L
SIERRA
BUGABOO or McKINLEY with OVERALL

65 – 85L
SIERRA
BUGABOO or McKINLEY with OVERALL

Bushwalking
(Overnight walking carrying all gear & food)

45 – 60 Litre
B-LITE
MOUNTAIN ASH

55 – 85L
MOUNTAIN ASH
McKINLEY
BUGABOO

65 – 85L
MOUNTAIN ASH
McKINLEY
BUGABOO

65 – 85L
MOUNTAIN ASH
McKINLEY
BUGABOO

FIT – the most important factor for backpack travellers, bushwalkers and trekkers! There is no substitute to having a pack fitted to you by an expert in your local camping or adventure store. Everyone is shaped differently and almost certainly you will find one of our pack harnesses will suit you better than another. See the Expert Advice articles on Pack Fitting for further information.